AT&T starts testing 5G in US cities

The company has decided to increase the initial number of cities in the network trial from five to ten.

AT&T has recently released a statement about launching the 5G network in five American cities. In the end, the company developers decided to expand the list of test cities from five to ten: Birmingham, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rochester, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. The company has released maps of 5G coverage on their website.

The new networks will be available to subscribers with Unlimited Extra ($75, 50 GB data limit) or Unlimited Elite ($85, 100 GB data limit) mobile plans. 

The company is currently supplying 5G under three brands: 

• 5GE — an improved version of LTE;
• 5G — the real fifth-generation network operating in the 850 MHz range;
• 5G+ — high-frequency millimeter wave 5G. Today, this is the fastest available mobile Internet with a relatively small range. It can only be used by individual developers and companies.

Ten cities on the list have gained access to the second version - 5G. 

At present, its small range is preventing the widespread adoption of 5G+. There are also some difficulties with the penetration of its waves through the concrete walls of buildings. 

In 2020, AT&T plans to extend the coverage of its new generation of mobile Internet to other cities. 

China is also developing 5G technology in parallel with the United States. Several major cities have already gained access to 5G networks on November 1, 2019.